How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (2024)

Rich beef broth recipe provides deep beef flavor

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How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (1)

Beef broth can sometimes be an overlooked component to a recipe or soup. However, when you have a great broth, it takes your dish or soup to a whole new level. I learned this when I first added soup bones to my favorite vegetable beef soup recipe and have never looked back.

However, making beef broth is a large time commitment that takes the better part of a day. Though most of the simmering time is fairly hands-off, making broth is still a large chunk of time to commit. As such, when I make broth I make a lot of it with the intention of using it for several meals.

In this article we will dive into all your questions on how long beef broth will last and how to store it properly to ensure you will be able to enjoy it for several meals as well. We then finish with my favorite beef broth recipe that is simple, yet delicious.

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (2)

Table of Contents

How Long Does Beef Broth Last on the Counter?

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (3)

Beef broth, like most other foods, should not be left on the counter at room temperature for more than two hours. This refers to both homemade beef broth or store bought beef broth that has been opened. If you have store bought beef broth still in the original container, I would go by the expiration date on the package to determine its shelf life.

If you look at the expiration date on store bought beef broth and you are past it by a month or two, you are still probably ok. However, if you see any bulging of the box, rusting of the can or any other red flags, throw it out.

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge?

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (4)

Provided you store your beef broth in a container with an air-tight covering, you can expect homemade beef broth to last around 3 days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. If you are saving store bought broth, it will likely last 4 days as it has extra preservatives meant to extend its shelf life. However, I would make sure to transfer your store bought beef broth to another container that has an air-tight lid.

Saving in the fridge is a great way to store beef broth that you anticipate using in the next few days. I would just make sure to give it a stir before using as settling does occur, especially in homemade beef broth.

Can Beef Broth be Stored in the Freezer?

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Yes. Beef broth freezes very well with little to no impact to its quality. In fact, I make it a point to always have beef broth in my freezer for whenever the occasion calls for it. The important thing to remember, in addition to freezing it in freezer bags or containers that are air-tight, is to freeze it portions that will be convenient to thaw and use. This will assure none goes to waste.

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Freezer?

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (6)

Whether homemade or store bought, beef broth will be good in the freezer for around 6 months before its flavor may begin to be impacted. This of course assumes it’s stored properly in freezer bags or freezer containers with an air-tight lid. If using freezer bags, make sure you push as much air out as possible before freezing. I would also mark the date you put it in the freezer to make sure you can plan to use it within six months.

As with most frozen foods, it is better to enjoy sooner rather than later.

What is the Best Way to Thaw Beef Broth?

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Beef broth is pretty easy to thaw as it doesn’t have a temperamental texture to worry about. If I have time, I will usually just stick it in the fridge for a day or so until thawed. If using freezer bags, make sure you put the whole bag in a bowl before putting in the fridge just in case there are any leaks in the bag. I’ve learned this the hard way on too many occasions.

However, if you have less time, you can run the freezer bag or container under water until it detaches from the sides and dump it into a sauce pan and finish defrosting on the stove. I usually use medium-low heat for this.

You can also pour it into a microwavable safe dish and defrost in the microwave as well. I would heat on high and stir every minute or so until completely thawed and warmed to your liking.

How to Tell if Beef Broth has Gone Bad

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As I say with most foods, you can tell if beef broth is bad by using your senses. If you notice mold or anything else floating in your broth that shouldn’t be there, throw it out. Also, if you notice any off smells or oder, get rid of it.

If you don’t notice any oder or anything that looks off, I would taste your broth prior to using it in a recipe if you have any concerns whether it is bad. If it tastes off, throw it out. Bad beef broth can cause illness and ruin the rest of your dish if it is bad. It’s not worth keeping if you have any doubt whether it is still good. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.

Beef Broth Recipe

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (9)

Beef Broth Recipe

Rich beef broth recipe provides deep beef flavor

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Beef Broth

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours hours

Total Time: 7 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

See Also
Stock Up!

Servings: 15 cups

Calories: 7kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot

  • 1 Roasting pan

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 Pounds Meaty Beef Soup Bones
  • 2 Onions Quartered
  • 4 Ribs Celery Cut into 3" pieces
  • 4 Carrots Cut into 3" pieces
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Whole peppercorns
  • 4 Cloves Fresh Garlic
  • 4 Bay Leaves
  • 5 Sprigs of Fresh Parsley
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Paprika
  • 1 cup Warm water
  • Cold Water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees and arrange the soup bones into a roasting dish

  • Roast soup bones for 30 minutes uncovered. After 30 minutes, add carrots, onion, and celery and roast for another 30 minutes uncovered.

  • Once done roasting, transfer the bones and vegetables to a large pot. I like to use a large pasta pot with a built in strainer. This makes it easier to strain the broth when it's done simmering. I would use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the bones and vegetables first, then pour in the remaining liquids from the bottom of the roasting pan.

  • Use the cup of warm water and a plastic spatula to scrape the beef bits off the bottom of the roasting pan and add to the pot with the bones and veggies. This adds a rich, beefy flavor to the broth.

  • Fill the pot with just enough cold water to cover the bones and veggies and add the remaining seasonings. Once the water and seasonings are added, give the pot a good stir to mix everything together.

  • Uncovered, bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat to simmer for 5 to 6 hours. Make sure the ingredients are covered when it starts to simmer. Add water if necessary in the beginning.

  • Once done simmering, remove the pot from the heat and strain the broth. If you have a pot with a fitted strainer, this is as easy as lifting the strainer out of the pot. However, be sure to do so slowly to avoid splashing the hot broth onto yourself. If you don't have a strainer already in your pot, you can place a strainer over a new pot and strain the broth into this new pot. Discard all the bones and veggies.

  • Transfer broth into a large bowl or two, cover, and chill in the fridge. Once chilled, skim the fat off the top of the broth before using.

  • Beef broth will be good covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.8g | Protein: 0.8g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 1156mg | Potassium: 19.3mg | Sugar: 0.6g | Vitamin A: 2.4IU | Calcium: 2.4mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beef broth good for you?

Yes. Beef broth contains protein from the beef and marrow from the bones that has been associated with reduced risks of diabetes, heart disease and other cancers.

Can you get sick from eating expired beef broth?

Yes, like many foods, beef broth, if left out too long or consumed past its expiration date, can grow bacteria that will make you sick.

Does beef broth go bad?

Yes, beef broth can go bad. If left out for more than two hours at room temperature or left in the fridge for more than 4 days, you run the risk of beef broth growing bacteria that can make you sick.

Final Thoughts on How Long Beef Broth is Good in the Fridge

While admittedly less convenient, the noticeably deeper flavors of homemade beef broth is worth the effort if you have the time. For the sake of efficiency, I make beef broth in bulk and freeze it often, trying to always have a supply of broth or soup in my freezer for when I need it. Knowing how to properly store beef broth ensures you will be able to enjoy it for many meals. I hope you have found this information helpful and the recipe easy and delicious. Happy cooking!

For more great information, check out the following articles:

The 15 Best Substitutes for Beef Broth

Top 10 Lemongrass Substitutes

How Long Does Tuna Salad Last? All Your Questions Answered

Also, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for some great videos!

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? All Your Questions Answered | FeedMeBetter? ›

Provided you have a good, thick layer of fat that has solidified on top of the liquid, then you can keep it in the fridge for a couple of weeks. If you don't have a good fat layer on top, 3-4 days. Best is to keep a couple of jars in the fridge and the rest in the freezer.

How long does beef broth stay good in the refrigerator? ›

Provided you store your beef broth in a container with an air-tight covering, you can expect homemade beef broth to last around 3 days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. If you are saving store bought broth, it will likely last 4 days as it has extra preservatives meant to extend its shelf life.

How long does broth last in the fridge? ›

Chicken broth can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen (for best quality) for 2-3 months.

How long does broth last in a mason jar? ›

Once each jar is filled, place a lid on it and refrigerate it. Once refrigerated, the fat on top will harden and seal the broth below. The fat on top eliminates any air and will keep your homemade broth preserved in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

How to know if chicken broth has gone bad? ›

The two most obvious signs are whether there is mold growing on any surface of the broth, or whether it smells a little bit off (especially sour). What does spoiled chicken broth taste like? The spoiled chicken broth will have a sour taste.

Can you cook bone broth too long? ›

Whichever way, the key is to not to break down the gelatin (the cooked form of collagen) in the process. Even though the bone broth is still nutritious, you know you want that collagen too amiright? Over-boiling is the sure way to kill off the gelatin, so take care not to. Gentle simmering is where it's at.

How long is beef good in the fridge? ›

3 to 5 days

Is beef broth good left out overnight? ›

Leaving beef broth out for an extended period, such as 19 hours, poses a considerable risk of bacterial growth and contamination. The temperature danger zone for food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), and during this time, the broth likely entered this range.

Can you eat old broth? ›

A few points to remember if there's no expiration date on your chicken broth: The broth is still likely safe for consumption for 1-2 years past the manufacturing date if unopened and stored properly. Once opened, chicken broth should be used within 4-5 days, regardless of the packaging type.

How long should you let broth cool before refrigerating? ›

The food danger zone is that place between 40 and 140 °F where pathogens grow most quickly. It can take a long time to get through the danger zone when cooling a large batch of chili, soup or stew. The soup must cool from 140 to 70 °F in 2 hours and from 70 to 40 °F in no more than 4 hours.

Does broth taste better the next day? ›

They tend to agree that a night of fridge-aging improves the flavor. The soup itself changes.

How long does soup last in the fridge in a Mason jar? ›

How long will soup last in a Mason jar? It's best not to keep these Mason jars longer than three to five days. During that period, check the smell and appearance of the food to determine whether it's safe to eat. Otherwise, past five days, toss the contents.

Is boiling chicken bones healthy? ›

It can make a healthy addition to your diet and contains nutrients such as collagen, electrolytes, and various amino acids. Consuming bone broth can help reduce inflammation and build muscle when combined with daily exercise.

Can you freeze beef broth? ›

Broth is safe in the freezer for two to three months(1). I store broth in three ways: glass jars, BPA-free bags, and BPA-free plastic/glass containers. I follow these guidelines for storing fresh broth. As of late, ancestral storage techniques for broth have come back into vogue.

How do I know if beef broth is bad? ›

You can tell if bone broth has gone bad for looking at it and smelling it. If you smell anything off or if there is mold growing on your broth then it most certainly is off. A lot of the time these two things are not present, and you are still concerned. In this case you should take a tiny sip and see how it tastes.

How long is boxed beef broth good for? ›

Store-Bought Beef Broth typically comes in cans or cartons, offering a more consistent flavor. Properly stored in a pantry, unopened broth can last 1-2 years past the expiration date, whereas an opened container should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 3-4 days.

Can you use broth after 7 days? ›

An opened box of chicken broth has a limited amount of time when it is considered to be fresh and ready-to-use. A box of chicken broth is good for 4-5 days (after opening) when stored in the refrigerator. This is the guideline used by the US Department of Agriculture and applies to most brands.

Why should you not boil bone broth? ›

Just as when you're making stock for soups or stews, boiling will cause soluble proteins and rendered fat to emulsify into the cooking liquid. By simmering, you avoid emulsifying the fat and thus keep the stock clearer, and we found that the scum created simply settled to the bottom of the pot.

What is the healthiest bone broth to buy? ›

What is the healthiest bone broth on the market? The healthiest bone broth on the market is the Organic bone broth made by Bluebird Provisions because it is the highest protein with 12 grams with 300 mg potassium and no added filler ingredients. It is also low in sodium and tastes absolutely delicious.

What is the difference between a stock and a broth? ›

Stock is generally made from bones, and broth is generally made from flesh. In both cases, they are often supported with aromatic vegetables, but in the case of stock, left unseasoned for maximum flexibility in recipes, whereas broth will usually contain at least salt and pepper.

How long is beef stick good after opening? ›

Unopened, commercial beef sticks will last for up to one year from the date of production. When left unopened, they do not require refrigeration and are perfectly safe to store at room temperature. Opened beef sticks, however, should be refrigerated and are best enjoyed within three days.

How do you store broth long term? ›

For longer storage, freeze or can it. To freeze stock, place it in a plastic freezer container or a wide-mouth mason jar. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when frozen.

Can I save leftover broth? ›

Broth is safe in the freezer for two to three months(1). I store broth in three ways: glass jars, BPA-free bags, and BPA-free plastic/glass containers.

Do beef broth cubes go bad? ›

The expiration date is usually printed on the packaging, and bouillon cubes can often be used for 1-2 years after that date. Expired bouillon cubes may not provide the same flavor and nutrition as fresh ones, and they may be more likely to contain harmful bacteria, especially if you have not kept them safe.

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